NC0024911_Permit (Issuance)_20010105

NPDES DOCYNENT !;CANNINe. COVER SHEET
NPDES Permit:
NC0024911
MSD Buncombe County WWTP
Document Type:
Permit Issuance
`'�---�.-.�.
Wasteload Allocation
Authorization to Construct (AtC)
Permit Modification
Complete File - Historical
Engineering Alternatives (EAA)
Report
Instream Assessment (67b)
Speculative Limits
Environmental Assessment (EA)
Document Date:
January 5, 2001
This document is printed on reuse paper - ignore any
content on the reYerse side

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Bill Holman, Secretary
Kerr T. Stevens, Director
January 5, 2001
7rA
NCDENR
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Mr. W.H. Mull
General Manager, Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County
P.O. Box 8969
Asheville, North Carolina 28814
Subject:Issuance of NPDES Permit NC0024911
MSD Buncombe County WWTP
Buncombe County
Dear Mr. Mull:
Division of Water Quality (Division) personnel have reviewed and approved your application for
renewal of the subject permit. Accordingly, we are forwarding the attached NPDES discharge permit. This
permit is issued pursuant to the requirements of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1 and the
Memorandum of Agreement between North Carolina and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency dated
May 9, 1994 (or as subsequently amended).
After a review of the draft permit, the following changes have been made to your final permit:
• The Supplement To Permit Cover Sheet has been changed to match your description of the
current components installed at your facility.
• As per your request, the downstream monitoring station has been specified as the French Broad
River at Ledges Park. The upstream monitoring location will remain (as described in the draft
permit) 300 feet upstream of the hydroelectric plant. In addition, a qualifying statement has been
added to the first footnote on the effluent limits page. This footnote specifies that it is not
necessary to sample when the hydroelectric facility is not operational or during severe weather
events.
• After discussions with Max Haner of the Asheville Regional Office, the bypass condition (Part A.
(3.) in the draft permit) has been deemed unnecessary and has been removed from the final permit.
• The Division considered specific quantitation and detection limits for problem parameters such as
mercury and cyanide where laboratory. methods cannot measure down to the level of certainty
required for stream -based Water Quality Standards. To clarify, the Division has added the
following paragraph as a footnote to the effluent limits page:
1. Cyanide - The Division of Water Quality shall consider all cyanide
concentrations reported below 10 ug/L to be "zero" for permit -compliance
purposes only. A North -Carolina -certified laboratory should continue to
report all cyanide values detected, even if. these values are below the
Division's specified quantitation level of 10 jcg/L.
• The months during which effluent toxicity monitoring should be conducted have been changed to
reflect your facility's current schedule. You will therefore be required to monitor for toxicity in
February, May, August and November.
• A note regardingyour concern over a total residual chlorine (TRC) limit has been added to your
permit folder. Sould the Division desire to place a TRC limit in your permit in the future, the
matter may be discussed in greater detail.
1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer VISIT US ON THE INTERNET Q© http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/NPDES

Although there is an anticipated reclassification of the French Broad River to Class B waters, this
change has yet to occur. When the classification does change, a minor modification to the Supplement To
Permit Cover Sheet will be made.
The Division regrets that the second footnote on your effluent limits page concerning 85% removal of
suspended solids and CBOD cannot be removed from the permit. This condition is specified by the Federal
Clean Water Act, which defines secondary treatment for municipal systems. It is a uniform requirement for
municipalities not just across the state, but across the country.
As concerns metals monitoring, I have enclosed a guidance document used by the NPDES permitting
unit in determining monitoring frequencies for facilities. As a Class IV treatment facility, your monitoring
requirements are to sample twice monthly. As explained in the cover letter attached to the draft permit, a
cyanide limit was included in this permit due to a finding of reasonable potential. This means that after a
review of the Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) for your facility, a statistical analysis was performed that
indicated the potential for effluent from your facility to create an exceedance of the allowable instream
concentration of cyanide. After collecting one year of cyanide data (following the effective date of the
permit), you may submit a request to the Division requesting that a new reasonable potential analysis be
performed to assess the need for a limit in the permit.
If any parts, measurement frequencies or sampling requirements contained in this permit are
unacceptable to you, you have the right to an adjudicatory hearing upon written request within thirty (30)
days following receipt of this letter. This request must be in the form of a written petition, conforming to
Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes, and filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings
(6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-6714). Unless such demand is made, this decision
shall be final and binding.
Please note that this permit is not transferable except after notice to the Division. The Division may
require modification or revocation and reissuance of the permit. This permit does not affect the legal
requirements to obtain other permits which may be required by the Division of Water Quality or permits
required by the Division of Land Resources, the Coastal Area Management Act or any other Federal or Local
governmental permit that may be required.
If you have any questions concerning this permit, please contact Natalie Sierra at telephone number
[phone], extension 551.
Sincerely,
Original Signed By
David A. Goodrich
Kerr T. Stevens
cc: Central Files
Asheville Regional Office/Water Quality Section
NPDES Unit
Point Source Compliance Enforcement Unit
Technical Assistance & Certification Unit
EPA Region IV, Roosevelt Childress
Aquatic Toxicology Unit

Permit N00024911
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
PERMIT
TO DISCHARGE WASTEWATER UNDER THE
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
In compliance with the provision of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1, other lawful
standards and regulations promulgated and adopted by the North Carolina Environmental
Management Commission, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, the
Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County
is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at the
MSD WWTP
NC Highway 251
North of Asheville
Buncombe County
to receiving waters designated as French Broad River in the French Broad River
Basin
in accordance with effluent limitations, monitoring requirements, and other
conditions set forth in Parts I, II, III and IV hereof.
This permit shall become effective February 1, 2001.
This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on December 31, 2005.
Signed this day January 5, 2001.
Original Signed By
David A. Goodrich
Kerr T. Stevens, Director
Division of Water Quality
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission
1•
�

Permit NC002491 r
SUPPLEMENT TO PERMIT COVER SHEET
The Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County
is hereby authorized to:
1. Continue to operate an existing 40 MGD wastewater treatment system consisting
of a Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) system with the following components:
• Mechanical bar screens
• Aerated grit chambers with grease removal
• Influent pumping to handle 70 MGD
• Instrumental flow measurement
• Primary and secondary microscreens
• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd stage RBCs
• Intermediate pumps
• Intermediate clarifiers
• Effluent chlorination
• Dual gravity sludge thickeners
• Gravity belt thickeners
• Dual anaerobic digesters (currently not in service)
• Belt filter presses
• Incinerator with alkaline stabilization
The facility is located north of Asheville at the MSD Buncombe County WWTP on
NC Highway 251 in Buncombe County;
2. Discharge from said treatment works at the location specified on the attached
map into the French Broad River, classified C waters in the French Broad Basin.

NC00024911 - MSD Buncombe County
Latitude:
Longitude;
Quad ##:
Stream Class:
Receiving Stream:
Permitted Flow:
35°39'02" Sub -Basin: 04-03-02
82°35'54"
E8NE/Weaverville
C
French Broad River
40.0 MGD
Facility
Location
Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County
NC0024911
MSD - Buncombe WWTP

Permit NC002491
A. (1.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS — FINAL
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the
Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 001. Such discharges shall be limited and
monitored by the Permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT
CHARACTERISTICS
LIMITS
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS •
Monthly
Average ,
Weekly . .
Average .
:.: Daily ';. ‘:
Maximum
Measurement
- Frequency ,
Sample _.
Type
Sample Location1
Flow
40 MGD
Continuous
Recording
Influent or Effluent
CBOD, 5-day (20°C)2
25.0 mg/L
40.0 mg/L
Daily
Composite
Influent & Effluent
Total Suspended Solids2
30.0 mg/L
45.0 mg/L
Daily
Composite
Influent & Effluent
NH3 as N
Daily
Composite
Effluent
Dissolved Oxygen3
Daily
Grab
Effluent,
Upstream &
Downstream
Fecal Coliform (geometric mean)
200/100 ml
400/100 ml
Daily
Grab
Effluent,
Upstream &
Downstream
Total Residual Chlorine
Daily
Grab
Effluent
Temperature (°C)
Daily
Grab
Effluent,
Upstream &
Downstream
Total Nitrogen
(NO2+NO3+TKN)
Quarterly
Composite
Effluent
Total Phosphorus
Quarterly
Composite
Effluent
Conductivity
•
Daily
Grab
Effluent, Upstream
& Downstream
Cadmium
Quarterly
Composite
Effluent
Cyanide4
22 pg/L
Weekly
Grab
• Effluent
Chromium
Quarterly
Composite
Effluent
Copper
2/Month
Composite
Effluent
Zinc
2/Month
Composite
Effluent
Silver
2/Month
Composite
Effluent
pH5
Daily
Grab
Effluent
Chronic Toxicity6
Quarterly
Composite
Effluent
Footnotes:-
1. Upstream = French Broad River, approximately 300 feet upstreain of the hydroelectric plant.
Downstream = French Broad River at Ledges Park. Upstream and downstream samples shall be
grab samples. Stream samples shall be collected three times per week during June, July, August
and September then once per week in the remaining months of the year. Instream monitoring is
not required during times when the hydroelectric plant is not operating or during severe or
hazardous weather.
2. The monthly average effluent CBOD5 and Total Suspended Solids concentrations shall not exceed
15% of the respective influent value (85% removal).
3. The daily average dissolved oxygen effluent concentration shall not be less than 5.0mg/ L.
4. The quantitation limit for cyanide shall be 10 ug/1 (10 ppb). Levels reported at less than 10 ug/1
shall be considered zero for compliance purposes.
5. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units.
6. Whole effluent toxicity will be monitored using the Pass/Fail Chronic Toxicity test with
Ceriodaphnia at 12%. Samples shall be taken in February, May, August & November; see A. (2.).
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace
amounts

f Permit NC0024911
A. (2.) CHRONIC TOXICITY PERMIT LIMIT (QUARTERLY)
The effluent discharge shall at no time exhibit observable inhibition of reproduction or significant
mortality to Ceriodaphnia dubia at an effluent concentration of 12%.
The permit holder shall perform at a minimum, quarterly monitoring using test procedures
outlined in the "North Carolina Ceriodaphnia Chronic Effluent Bioassay Procedure," Revised
February 1998, or subsequent versions or "North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole Effluent
Toxicity Test Procedure" (Revised -February 1998) or subsequent versions. The tests will be
performed during the months of February, May, August and November. Effluent sampling for
this testing shall be performed at the NPDES permitted final effluent discharge below all
treatment processes.
If the test procedure performed as the first test of any single quarter results in a failure or ChV
below the permit limit, then multiple -concentration testing shall be performed at a minimum,
in each of the two following months as described in "North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole
Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure" (Revised -February 1998) or subsequent versions.
The chronic value for multiple concentration tests will be determined using the geometric
mean of the highest concentration having no detectable impairment of reproduction or
survival and the lowest concentration that does have a detectable impairment of reproduction
or survival. The definition of "detectable impairment," collection methods, exposure regimes,
and further statistical methods are specified in the "North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole
Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure" (Revised -February 1998) or subsequent versions.
All toxicity testing results required as part of this permit condition will be entered on the Effluent
Discharge Monitoring Form (MR-1) for the months in which tests were performed, using the
parameter code TGP3B for the pass/fail results and THP3B for the Chronic Value. Additionally, DWQ
Form AT-3 (original) is to be sent to the following address:
Attention: North Carolina Division of Water Quality
Environmental Sciences Branch
1621 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1621
Completed Aquatic Toxicity Test Forms shall be filed with the Environmental Sciences Branch no
later than 30 days after the end of the reporting period for which the report is made.
Test data shall be complete, accurate, include all supporting chemical/physical measurements and
all concentration/response data, and be certified by laboratory supervisor and ORC or approved
designate signature. Total residual chlorine of the effluent toxicity sample must be measured and
reported if -chlorine is employed for disinfection of the waste stream.
Should there be no discharge of flow from the facility during a month in which toxicity monitoring is
required, the permittee will complete the information located at the top of the aquatic toxicity (AT)
test form indicating the facility name, permit number, pipe number, county, and the month/year of
the report with the notation of "No Flow" in the comment area of the form. The report shall be
submitted to the Environmental Sciences Branch at the address cited above.
Should the permittee fail to monitor during a month in which toxicity monitoring is required,
monitoring will be required during the following month.
Should any test data from this monitoring requirement or tests performed by the North Carolina
Division of Water Quality indicate potential impacts to the receiving stream, this permit may be re-
opened and modified to include alternate monitoring requirements or limits.
NOTE: Failure to achieve test conditions as specified in the cited document, such as minimum
control organism survival, minimum control organism reproduction, and appropriate environmental
controls, shall constitute an invalid test and will require immediate follow-up testing to be completed
no later than the last day of the month following the month of the initial monitoring..

Permit NC002491 r
A. (3.) PRETREATMENT MONITORING CLARIFICATION
Ground Water remediation sites discharging to MSD Buncombe WWTP with locally issued permits
shall be considered as Non -Significant Industrial Users and shall have no specific requirements for
parameter limits or monitoring frequency if they do not discharge more than 25,000 gallons of
industrial process wastewater per day, they do not discharge more than 5 % of the Maximum
Allowable Headworks Loading (MAHL) of any pollutant to the MSD Buncombe WWTP, they are not a
40 CFR regulated Categorical Industry, or they do not in the opinion of the Director of MSD
Buncombe have the potential to upset or interfere with the operation of the WWTP. The Director of
MSD WWTP shall enforce the Sewer Use Ordinance, permit, limit, monitor, and inspect all
dischargers to his WWTP as needed to assure proper operation and compliance with all NPDES
effluent limits including Whole Effluent

crl
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATIO -;m +
`I
BUNCOMBE COUNTY
SS.
NORTH CAROLINA
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF
NORTH CAROLINA
ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT
COMMISSION/
NPDES UN IT
1617MAIL SERVICE
CENTER
RALE I GH, NC 27699-1617
NOTIFICATION
OF INTENT TO ISSUE
A STATE NPDES
WASTEWATER PERMIT
On the basis of thorough
staff review and appli-
cation of NC General
Statutes 143.21. Public
law 92-500 and other
lawful standards and
regulations, the North
Carolina Environ-
mental Management
CommlgBlon prop9505 to
issue a National Pollut-
ant Discharge Elimina-
tion System (NPDES)
wastewater discharge
permit to the person(s)
listed on the ultached
pages effective 45 days
from the publish date of
this notice.
Written comments re-
garding the proposed
Permit will be accepted -
until 30 days after the Pub-
lish date of this notice. All
comments received prior
to that dateare consid-
ered in the final determi-
nations regarding the
propmed permit. The Di-
rector of the NC Division
of Water Quality may de-
cide to hold a public meet-
ing for the proposedper-
mit should the Division
receive a significant de-
greeof public interest.
Copies of the draft permit
and other supporting in-
formation on file used to
determine conditions pre-
sent in the draft permit
are available upon re•
quest and payment of the
costs of reproduction.
Mail comments and/or
requests for information
10 the NC Division of Wa-
ter Quality at the above
otldforag or call Ms.'
Christie Jacksonat (919)
733-5083, extension 538.
Please include the
NPDES permit number
(attached) in any corn-
muilieution, Interested
persons may also visit the
Division of Water Quality
at512 N. Salisbury Street,
Raleigh, NC 27604-1148 be-
tween the hours of 8:00
a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to re-
view information on file.
bD NC0024911, M D
Num-
ber
Buncombe County
WWTP, P.O. Box B969,
Asheville, NC 28814 has
applied for a permit re-
newal for a facility lo-
cated in Buncombe
County discharging
treated wastewater into
French Brood River in
the French Broad River
Basin. Currently CBOD
and cyanide are water
quality limited. This
discharge may affect fu-
ture allocations inthis
portion of the receiving
s
1 \7 t5 t n .'
JAN - 2 2001
CE (R - WATER^L'Aun'
PO NT SOURCE ,'?RANCH
Before the undersigned, a Notary Public of said
County and State, duly commissioned, qualified and
authorized by law to administer oaths, personally
appeared Janis Pierce, who, being first duly sworn,
deposes and says: that he (she) is the Legal Billing
Clerk of TheAsheville Citizen -Times Company,
engaged in publication of a newspaper known as
The Asheville Citizen -Times, published, issued,
and entered as second class mail in the City of
Asheville, in said County and State; that he (she) is
authorized to make this affidavit and sworn
statement; that the notice or other legal
advertisement, a true copy of which is attached
hereto, was published in The Asheville Citizen -
Times on the following dates: October 27, 2000.
And that the said newspaper in which said notice,
paper, document or legal advertisement were
published were, at the time of each and every
publication, a newspaper meeting all of the
requirements and qualifications of Section 1-597 of
the General Statues of North Carolina and was a
qualified newspaper within the meaning of Section
1-597 of the General Statues of North Carolina.
This 29th day of December, 2000
(Signature of person making affidavit)
Sworn to d subscribed before me the 29th day of
Dece b , 2000
7
Public)
My ommission expires `tie 17th day of August of
2003.
October 27, 2000
i9d711

MSD
Metropolitan Sewerage District of
Buncombe County, North Carolina
W.H. Mull, P.E., General Manager
P.O. Box 8969, Asheville, N.C. 28814
Telephone: Area Code [phone]
Telecopier: [phone]
William Clarke, General Counsel
November 21, 2000
NCDENR-DWQ-NPDES Unit
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
Attention: Ms. Natalie Sierra
Brady M. Blackburn, Chairman
C. Michael Sobol, Vice -Chairman
Jackie W. Bryson, Secretary/Treasurer
Steven T. Aceto
Barbara A. Field
David Gantt
Elizabeth C. Graham
E. Glenn Kelly
Ben Pace
S. Douglas Spell
W. Donald Venable
d
NOV 2 8 2000
BEHR - WATER QUALITY
POINT cr•+7r.r BRA' -'CH
II
LJ
Re: Comments on draft NPDES permit #NC0024911 (MSD WWTP)
Ms. Sierra:
Pursuant to the receipt of the subject draft NPDES permit #NC0024911
the Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County (MSD) does
hereby submit the following comments:
The supplement to the permit cover sheet contains a few
"inaccuracies" regarding the facility components; specifically the
three influent pumps are rated at 35MGD each thus the influent
pumping facility can handle flows in excess of the noted 60MGD.
The anaerobic digesters have been "mothballed" but will likely be
utilized in the future to store/treat "wet weather" flows, so these
units should be listed as "future" use tankage. The belt filter
presses were listed as "primary & secondary"? They should simply
be described as belt filter presses. And finally the French Brpac!
River is listed as a Class C watershed on this sheet, however it was
MSD's understanding that this was being "upgraded" to a Class B
watershed?
Website: www.main.nc.us/MSD

Page -2
The upstream & downstream sampling locations have been
modified, however MSD would like clarification as to exactly where
these two new sampling locations are to be located; per the draft
we understand the upstream site to be located approximately
300ft.+/- upstream of the existing hydro-electic flume intake
structure (in the river itself) so as not to "bias" the sampling due to
potential impacts associated with Beaverdam Creek? The
downstream location remains within the flume, however due to the
increased likelihood that the WWTP effluent discharge could skew
downstream data (effluent discharges in flume @ 1500ft. from hydro
facility structure) MSD requests NCDENR to consider changing the
downstream sampling location to the French Broad River at Ledges
Park.
If NCDENR establishes either in -stream sampling location in the
hydro flume, the qualifier statement contained in previous NPDES
permits (i.e. in -stream sampling requirements are suspended during
times when the hydro facility is not operational - no water in flume)
be re -instated. MSD requests that an inclement weather qualifier be
added irregardless to provide in -stream sampling flexibility (i.e.
suspended) during periods of "severe" inclement weather that could
potentially compromise worker health/safety. (winter storms, etc.)
- MSD requests that footnote #2 be removed. While MSD
acknowledges the requirement for secondary treatment, and this
footnote apparently references the Federal definition (i.e. 85%
removal), MSD contends that it creates confusion with respect to
the established numeric monthly average effluent discharge
concentration limit for both CBOD and TSS; as WWTP's with weak
influent concentrations could comply with the established numeric
limit but violate the 85% removal reference. In addition, this
footnote provides an opportunity for a frivolous 3rd party lawsuit. It
should also be pointed out that MSD's treatment plant incorporates
a fixed film design (Le. RBC's). Engineering design manuals identify
this technology's efficiency in the range of 75%-90%; and MSD's
specific design efficiency is 88% (not much margin). NCDENR can
hold facilities accountable to provide secondary treatment without
including this regulatory vestige as a specific footnote.

Page -3
Various metals parameters (Copper, Zinc & Silver) monitoring
frequency has been increased to 2/month from quarterly. MSD
requests that these and ALL other metals monitoring remain at a
sampling frequency of quarterly. All three of these noted metals
parameters have no applicable water quality standard, but rather
are each action level pollutants. To date NO instance of effluent
toxicity has been linked to any of these parameters. Our review of
monthly DMR data reveals that with the exception of zinc, all metals
parameters are BDL. 1 would point out though with respect to zinc,
potable water contains elevated zinc levels, most likely due to zinc -
phosphate corrosion inhibitor used by the water agency. In
addition, review of NCDENR's recent approval of MSD's Headworks
Analysis reveals SIGNIFICANT allowable loading for all metals
parameters (lowest remaining allowable load is 75%, all others
95+% remaining allocation). Since metals parameters in this
analysis are pass through, water quality or inhibition limited, one
would infer that metals are not a significant concern.
MSD wishes to contest the numeric limitation for cyanide, not
simply the lowering of this limit but rather the inclusion of a numeric
limit at all. MSD, as numerous other WWTP's throughout the State
and USA, has periodically experienced analytical anomolies with
respect to cyanide (i.e. positive result in effluent, but not in the
influent). MSD has invested significant resources (time and money)
trying to locate possible causative agents for cyanide but found
none. It is MSD's opinion that these "false positive" test results are
due to matrix interference. It should also be noted that MSD's
effluent is affected by color (textile discharges) and this has a
negative impact on the cyanide test (colormetric test). This
problem is not unique to MSD, as stated above much litigation
exists throughout the country on this specific issue. Review of our
pretreatment records does not reveal any industries in which
cyanide is of concern. MSD therefore requests that NO numeric
limit be placed in the NPDES permit until such time that one is truly
arranted based upon sound science. MSD also requests that this
ollutant be monitored on the same quarterly frequency as the other
metals parameters.

Page -4
The effluent limits page identifies effluent toxicity monitoring to be
conducted in the months of February, May, August & November
however the ensuing page describing the toxicity test protocol
identifies this monitoring to be conducted in the months of January,
April, July & October. MSD requests clarification as to exactly
which months NCDENR requires this monitoring to be conducted.
MSD wishes to comment on the issue of total residual chlorine. As
NCDENR is well aware, MSD utilizes chlorination as its means of
achieving adequate effluent disinfection prior to discharge to the
French Broad River. To date, NO instances of effluent toxicity have
been linked to TRC levels in the effluent; therefore MSD would
support NCDENR's position that until effluent toxicity is
SPECIFICALLY linked to effluent TRC, no numeric limit will be
instated. Recent in -stream monitoring reveals that TRC quickly
dissipates after the water passes through the hydro facility; perhaps
the agitation through the turbines and the mixing with the main river
watercourse (Le. only a percentage of the river flow enters the
hydro facility flume) assists in this regard. It should be noted that
US fish/Wildlife will not permit the water contained in the flume
structure to "count" as aquatic habitat for purpose of evaluating
impact, therefore so should be the same for NCDENR. With this in
mind the concern over TRC IWC would apply post hydro facility (i.e.
downstream after mixing with main watercourse) and as already
stated recent data reveals quick dissipation of TRC in this zone of
the river.

Page -5
- The final item MSD wishes to address in this draft permit is that of
the bypass language contained in the existing and draft permit. MSD of
its own accord removed the bypass structure originally located at the
treatment plant headworks as an act of good faith with regards to
controlling/eliminating SSO's. And while MSD concedes that this type
of permit language is inappropriate in today's regulatory climate, it
wishes to plant a future seed in NCDENR's mind with respect to "wet
weather" treatment technology. MSD has and continues to invest
significant resources in SSO/I81 control and sewer rehabilitation, and
is currently exploring potential "wet weather" treatment alternatives
for utilization in the MSD system. This type of technology utilizes
chemically assisted ballasted flocculation as a means of treating
extreme "wet weather" flows to a level commensurate with discharge
standard needs of the affected receiving stream during such events. If
a treatment alternative such as this is deemed practical/feasible for
MSD's facility, the "need" for alternative discharge language in this
regard may be requested.
MSD has met with Asheville Regional NCDENR staff to discuss the
above referenced comments and appreciates their willingness to
continue the cooperative relationship that our two agencies have
developed throughout the years. If there are any questions regarding
this correspondence please feel free to contact MSD's Director of
Waste Treatment (John Kiviniemi - 828/252-7342 ext.19).
Sincerely,
W.H. Mull
General Manager, MSD
Cc: file

aro comments - msd permit (nc002491 1)
Subject: aro comments - msd permit (nc0024911)
Date: Tue, 05 Dec 2000 21:13:51 -0500
From: Max Haner <[e-mail]>
Organization: NC DENR - Asheville Regional Office
To: Natalie Sierra <[e-mail]>
CC: Max Haner <[e-mail]>, Forrest Westall <[e-mail]>
Natalie - as followup to my phone message re msd's requested changes
to its permit, i have some comments: ( I would have had this memo to
you earlier. It's actually the second writing since it disappeared from
my screen shortly before i finished it the first time) - comments: (1)
MSD's description of the treatment units and influent pumping capacity
is correct. Presently, the primary and secondary digesters have been
taken out of service and cleaned. No final decision has been made
regarding their future use. Rather than use the term "future tanka
it may be more appropriate simply to list the digesters as they appe
with a footnote that says "not in service". Whatever you think is
reasonable. ... (2) In regards to MSD's assessment of the downstream
sampling point, we have no objection to changing the downstream sampling
point to the area of the river known as Ledges Park. Given the
permitted flow and the lack of closer access to the river downstream of
the hydroplant, the Ledges Park area is reasonable and representative
under the circumstances. The upstream point as .described to be in the
river approx 300 ft upstream of the hydroplant should be OK. (3) If
MSD wants a disclaimer to allow suspension of instream sampling during
severe and hazardous weather, we have no objection - the monitoring
regulations already provide for this discretion. (4) There is NO
support in eliminating the 85% removal requirement from the permit.
Besides being present in the clean water act relating to the defination
of secondary treatment, it also relates to I/I removal and need for SSO
control. (5) Leavvtthe monitoring frequency for the RPA parameters at
2omerth. '(6) Rega ding the request to eliminate the cyanide limit based
on faulty test giving false positives, I have requested the head of the
ARO laboaratory with support from the Raleigh lab to evaluate this
request before giving you a recommendation. Plus, I need to review
the pretreatment data to determine cyanide potential. Hopefully, this
won't take but a couple of days for everyone to comment. There is no
recommendation here to reduce the 2/month monitoring frequency; it
should be consistent with the other RPA 2/month frequencies. (7)
Toxicity monitoring should be reflective of a February, May, August, and
November schedule which means that the toxicity test protocol should be
changed to be consistent with wording on the effluent limits page. (8)
MSD comments regarding a future TRC limit may be persuasive considering
their specific discharge circumstances. We need to discuss this matter
in more detail after the permit is issued but prior to filing this away,
and finally, (9) I know that the bypap language already has been
removed from the permit.
Thanks for letting me comment on the msd concerns. let me know if
things need to be addressed further - i plan to finalize comments on the
cyanide limit question before next tuesday - afterwhich i will be on
leave. Max
Max Haner - [e-mail]
North Carolina Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Quality - Water Quality Section
59 Woodfin Place
Asheville, NC 28801
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
1 of2 12/14/00 10:30 AM

Re: msd draft permit
t
Subject: Re: msd draft permit
Date: Tue, 07 Nov 2000 09:37:17 -0500
From: Max Haner <[e-mail]>
Organization: NC DENR - Asheville Regional Office
To: Natalie Sierra <[e-mail]>
Natalie - one more thing for now - I can't remember whether I asked you to
remove references to bypasses (and I can't find the comments I sent you - if you
saved them, could you send them back - please). More to the point - MSD
reconstructed its influent structure this past year to eliminate entirely the
bypass potential. We should take the Bypass Condition out of the draft.
Thanks, Max.
Natalie Sierra wrote:
> Max Haner wrote:
> > natalie - Please e-mail me the latest version of the effluent limits
> > page for MSD's permit in buncombe county - NC0024011 which includes ARO
> > comments. Thanks Max
> >
> > --
> > Max Haner - Max. Haner@ncmail .net
> > North Carolina Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources
> > Asheville Regional Office
> > Division of Water Quality - Water Quality Section
> > 59 Woodfin Place
> > Asheville, NC 28801
> > Tel: [phone]
> > Fax: [phone]
> >
> >
> > Name: Max.Haner.vcf
> > Max.Haner.vcf Type: VCard (text/x-vcard)
> > Encoding: 7bit
> > Description: Card for Max Haner
Name: NC0024911_box. doc
> NC0024911_box. doc Type: Winword File (application/msword)
> Encoding: base64
> Download Status: Not downloaded with message
Max Haner - [e-mail]
North Carolina Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Quality - Water Quality Section
59 Woodfin Place
Asheville, NC 28801
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
DMax.Haner.vcf
Name: Max.Haner.vcf
Type: VCard (text/x-vcard)
Encoding: 7bit
Description: Card for Max Haner
1 of 1 11/7/00 4:54 PM

DENR/DWQ
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT DEVELOPMENT
NPDES No. NC0024911
Facility Information
Applicant/Facility Name:
Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County WWTP
Applicant Address:
PO Box 8969; Asheville, North Carolina 28814
Facility Address:
NC Highway 251, north of AshevTle in Buncombe County
Permitted Flow
40 MGD
Type of Waste:
86 % Domestic
14 % Industrial
Facility/Permit Status:
Class IV/Active; Renewal
County:
Buncombe County
Miscellaneous
Receiving Stream:
French Broad
River
Regional Office:
Asheville
Stream Classification:
C
_
State Grid / USGS Quad:
E8NE / Weaverville,
NC
303(d) Listed?
No
Permit Writer:
Natalie Sierra
Subbasin:
04-03-02
Date:
100ctober00
Drainage Area (mi2):
966
AI
Summer 7Q10 (cts)
466
Winter 7Q10 (cts):
595cy
30Q2 (cts)
882
Lat. 35° 39 02" N Long. 82° 35' 54" W
Average Flow (cfs):
22.6 MGD
IWC (%):
12%
BACKGROUND
The Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County (MSD) services an area that
includes Asheville, Black Mountain, Montreat, Woodfin, Biltmore Forest and Weaverville. The
facility also processes wastewater from 27 significant industrial users (SIUs) currently
amounting to about 2.950 MGD, or 14% of the average waste flow. Treated wastewater passes
through a hydroelectric facility generating power for the treatment process. From the
hydroelectric facility flume, the water enters the French Broad River. The high flow of the
French Broad River results in substantial dilution such that the instream waste concentration
(IWC) is 12%.
Disinfection is currently achieved through effluent chlorination using chlorine gas. An
Authorization to Construct (ATC) has been issued by the NPDES unit for the construction of a
sodium hypochlorite feed system and associated spill prevention. The permittee expects this
construction to be complete by mid-2001. The permittee is also working on a WWTP master
plan, scheduled for completion in 2001 that will evaluate primary clarifiers, tertiary filters,
incinerator ash dewatering, additional heat recovery from the incinerator operations and any
additional plant needs.
Since the last permit renewal, MSD has been issued several NOVs, principally for
violations of whole effluent toxicity. It appears, however, that the problems have been
addressed, and there have been no compliance issues since September 1998.
Instream Monitoring and Verification of Existing Conditions and DMR Data Review.
DMRs were reviewed beginning in January 1997 through July 2000. Average flow
during this time was 22.6 MGD. The facility had four chronic toxicity violations between July
1996 and September 1998. During this time, the aquatic toxicity unit determined that the
effluent had an effect of acute toxicity; an acute toxicity test was then added to the permit. This
Fact Sheet
NPDES NC0024911 Renewal
Page 1

was recently removed due to compliance with the toxicity requirements in the permit. The
facility is now only required to do a quarterly chronic toxicity test.
Of concern is the level at which MSD chlorinates its effluent. The allowable
concentration of chlorine in the effluent should be 145 ug/L, a fairly high value. The average
TRC value for January 1999-July 2000 was 1052 ug/L, nearly an order of magnitude difference.
It is unclear as to why a limit was not included when the facility expansion occurred.
MSD's complex wastestream necessitates extensive monitoring requirements, both
through the NPDES permit and the facility's LTMP with the Pretreatment unit. Currently
monitored parameters include, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, cadmium, cyanide, chromium,
copper, zinc, lead, and silver. Reasonable Potential Analysis (RPA) was performed for all of the
monitored and limited metals and the results appear below.
Results of Reasonable Potential Analysis (RPA):
A reasonable potential analysis (RPA) was performed for all monitored parameters. It
was determined that there is reasonable potential for pollution from the following:
• Cyanide
• Silver
• Zinc
• Copper
No reasonable potential exists for the following:
• Lead
• Chromium
• Nickel
• Cadmium
Cyanide is the only parameter currently limited by the permit. Although reasonable
potential has been demonstrated for silver, zinc, and copper, these are all action level
pollutants and should only be limited if MSD begins to have toxicity problems.
Monitoring frequency for silver, zinc and copper will, however, be increased from
quarterly to twice monthly (with no limit) as per Division policy (April 1999).
The primary issue associated with cadmium, chromium and nickel monitoring is that
detection levels were used that are of insufficient sensitivity. Keyes McGee of
Pretreatment has spoken to the permittee about this recently in hopes of amending this
problem for both NPDES and Pretreatment.
Correspondence: The inspection reports reveal a well -run facility with few problems.
PERMITTING STRATEGY AND SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES
The last wasteload allocation (WLA) was completed for this facility in 1993. It
established a water quality limit for CBOD, fecal coliform and cyanide. NH3-N, DO,
copper, TRC, lead, zinc, silver, cadmium, total phosphorus, total nitrogen and pH
monitoring requirements were also established.
The RPA demonstrated no reasonable potential for cadmium, chromium, nickel and lead.
Given that the detection levels used for cadmium, chromium and nickel monitoring were
above those required by the Division, these monitoring requirements will stand. A note
will be placed in the cover letter about using a more sensitive test to detect these
compounds. Should the permittee request it, RPA can be performed again in a year using
more sensitive data. The lead monitoring requirement can be removed.
Monitoring frequency for copper, silver and zinc will be increased from quarterly to
weekly as described above. The cyanide limit and monitoring requirements will stay in
place.
Fact Sheet
NPDES NC0024911 Renewal
Page 2

ARO will be consulted about putting in a TRC limit that is correspondent with the
facility's IWC and water quality limited. As mentioned above, this value would be 145
ug/L. A compliance schedule would be given in such a case.
In accordance with the ARO's request, upstream/downstream monitoring of fecal
coliform will be included on the effluent limits page.
PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR PERMIT ISSUANCE
Draft Permit to Public Notice: October 18, 2000
Permit Scheduled to Issue: December 4, 2000
NPDES DIVISION CONTACT
If you have questions regarding any of the above information or on the attached permit, please contact
Natalie Sierra at [phone] ext. 551.
NAME: DATE:
Fact Sheet
NPDES NC0024911 Renewal
Page 3

Re: MSD-Buncombe County
Subject: Re: MSD-Buncombe County
Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2000 16:21:56 -0400
From: Max Haner <Max.Haner a ncmail.net>
Organization: NC DENR - Asheville Regional Office
To: Natalie Sierra <Natalie.Sierrancmail.net>
Natalie - Thanks for the opportunity to deal with this as a matter of routine.
It's good not to be pressured for time. Comments or edits that we have should
be minimal.
(1) No problem with increasing the monitoring for silver, zinc and copper to
weekly based on the RPA. Also, agree that lead can be removed, but since -nickel_
is not currently in the permit and they are monitoring this voluntarily, is there(&\
sufficient concern that this needs to be a parameter that requires monitoring
(2) The addition of instream fecal monitoring is OK (3) Finally, with the mouth
of Beaverdam Creek being immediately upstream of the dam and flume line for the
hydro plant, there is not an opportunity for Beaverdam Creek to mix with the
French Broad prior to entering the flume which basically contains Beaverdam
Creek. Therefore, upstream monitoring in the flume above the discharge is not
representative of the receiving stream. We have had discussions with MSD
personnel about moving the stream sampling point and suggest that since MSD
discharges entirely to the flume, the upstream sampling site should be in the
French Broad above the hydroplant. Suggested wording: Upstream sampling sib
is in the French Broad River approximately 300 feet upstream of the
hydroelectric plant. The wording which suspends MSD monitoring when the hydro
plant is not in operation should be removed from the permit. v
That's all for now - but I'm still looking at it. Thanks again. Max
Natalie Sierra wrote:
> Max-
> Attached are the draft and fact sheet for MSD-Buncombe. I won't put it
> to public notice until I get your input since this is a somewhat complex
> facility. Call or e-mail me if you have any questions.
> Thanks,
> Natalie
Name: NC002491I_ Fact Sheet.doc
> NC0024911 Fact Sheet.doc Type: Winword File (application/msword)
> Encoding: base64
> Download Status: Not downloaded with message
> Name: NC0024911_box.doc
> NC0024911_box.doc Type: Winword File (application/msword)
> Encoding: base64
> Download Status: Not downloaded with message
Max Haner - [e-mail]
North Carolina Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Quality - Water Quality Section
59 Woodfin Place
Asheville, NC 28801
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
1 of2 10/17/00 5:00 PM

DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
October 31, 2000
MEMORANDUM
TO: Dave Goodrich
THROUGH: Matt Matthews [Pt/ -
FROM: Kristie Robeson
SUBJECT: Draft Permit Correction
MSD Buncombe County WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NC0024911
Buncombe County
NOV - 2 2000
ITY
Our office has received the draft permit for the subject facility. Upon review of
this draft, our office noted that the effluent limits page contained different toxicity testing
months than the months contained in the Special Conditions A(2) page. The facility's
quarterly toxicity months currently are February, May, August, and November.
Condition A(2) in this draft has them conducting toxicity testing during January, April,
July, and October. Our office recommends correcting Special Condition A(2) to require
toxicity testing to be conducted during February, May, August, and November.
We appreciate your assistance to undertake the necessary steps to correct the
existing draft permit and incorporate the recommendation cited above. Please feel free to
contact me at 733-2136 if you have any questions.
cc: Natalie Sierra
ESB Facility Files

NPDES/Non-Discharge Permitting Unit Pretreatment Information Request Form
NPDES OR NONDISCHARGE PERMITTING UNIT COMPLETES THIS PART:
Date of Request 10/5/00
Facility
Metropolitan Sewerage Dist. - Buncombe County
Permit #
NC0024911
Region
Asheville
Requestor
Natalie Sierra
Pretreatment A_D Towns- Keyes McGee (ext. 580)
Contact E-L Towns- Vacant Position
M-R Towns- Dana Folley (ext. 523)
S-Z Towns- Steve Amigone (ext 592)
IMP 5l38
PRETREATMENT UNIT COMPLETES THIS PART:
Status of Pretreatment Program (circle all that apply)
1) the facility has no SIU's and does have a Division approved Pretreatment Program that isINACTIVE
2) the facility has no SIU's and does not have a Division approved Pretreatment Program
3) the facility has (or is develnpin a Pretreatment Program
L 2a) is Full Program with LTMP ) or 2b) is Modified Program with STMP
4) the taclrty IMMDSi aeverop a Pretreatment Program - Full Modified
5) additional conditions regarding Pretreatment attached or listed below
r tie
re +�,. 7,,, w. c..1-5
Flow Permitted Actual,P
% Industrial s 1 �o / G r,''% 1-`'' 11 a.ti- a
STMP time frame:
most recent 1 h — '1S
2 , o
\zxt
/ fW,s" aG-5tiah,
next cycle HA Dui to
12.cca
Domestic 7-6 , g y % ?
L
T
M
P
Pollutant
Check List
POC due to
NPDES/Non-
Discharge
Permit Limit
Required
by EPA*
Required by
503 Sludge"
POC due to SIU"'
Site specific POC (Provide Explanation)""
STMP
Frequency
-ffluent
at
LTMP
Frequency at
effl t
/BOD
/
4
Q
M
/TSS
/
1
4
Q
M
j
NH3
/
4
Q
M
/Arsenic
✓
4
Q
M
4
Cadmium
4
✓
4
Q
M
4
Chromium
4
✓
j.
.1_ 4
Q
M
4
Copper
4
✓
5 c-464—'
.
4
Q
M
✓
Cyanide
1
S
4
Q
M
4
Lead
4
/
y
Q
M
✓
Mercury
/rket
1
Q
M
,,/Molybdemum
/
Q
M
4
Nickel
-1
/
-
Q
M
/
Silver
/
4
Q
M
Selenium
4
Q
M
-4
Zinc
q
4
Q
M
✓
Ct3OD
✓
4
QM
4
Q
M
4
Q
M
4
Q
M
4
Q
M
4
Q
M
'Always in the LTMP
"Only in the LTMP if the POTW land applies sludge \ v
"' Only in LTMP while the SIU is connected to the POTW
"" Only in LTMP when the pollutant is a specific concem to the POTW (ie-Chloride to a POTW who accepts Textile waste)
0= Quarterly
M=Monthly �} /� / n T
Comments: ! [ile 'Pre.�reed *tie (C7-t.I' USE C1 r? v / Y'Cd7 k' r-_4) %l1S f/ -to revi' ,C
I
i t 5 L 1 %/ P , �'2-t 2G-t i et., L e. v215 . h,-f' �.x C LAr r, t L7 4i P aur-e we
((��
aLd�-g,tAat2 , r tirre v�.-1 LTMP i S -Po ,ScLepi Lie; 5 Can.ser44I;lie da ys
vpzg 4uaricr. ! d V
M S D LT M P r e q.000804. x l s
Revised: August 4, 2000

[Fwd: LTMP request]
Fwtp-4sc38
Subject: [Fwd: LTMP request]
Date: Mon, 09 Oct 2000 09:15:14 -0400
From: Dana Folley <[e-mail]>
To: Keyes McGee <[e-mail]>
Dana Rees Folley
Environmental Chemist II
Division of Water Quality
Water Quality Section
Pretreatment Unit
1617 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH, NC 27699-1617
telephone: [phone] x523
facsimile: [phone]
http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/Pretreat/index.html
Subject: LTMP request
Date: Thu, 05 Oct 2000 11:14:13 -0400
From: Natalie Sierra <[e-mail]>
Organization: NC DENR DWQ
To: [e-mail]
Dana -
I was unsure to whom this request should be directed - it's the MSD WWTP
in Buncombe County (i.e. it does not service a specific town). If it's
not you, just let me know.
Thanks,
Natalie
MSDLTMPreq.000804.x1s
Name: MSDLTMPreq.000804.xls
Type: Microsoft Excel Worksheet (application/vnd.ms-excel)
Encoding: base64
Download Status: Not downloaded with message
1 of 1 10/9/00 9:25 AM

Pretreatment Information Request, MSD Buncombe
Fr P + 5138
Subject: Pretreatment Information Request, MSD Buncombe
Date: Tue, 10 Oct 2000 11:25:33 -0400
From: Keyes McGee <[e-mail]>
Organization: NC DENR DWQ
To: Natalie Sierra <[e-mail]>
Natalie,
Two weeks ago I approved a Headworks Analysis for MSD Buncombe that was
originally submitted in March 1999. A new HWA will be required on
October 1, 2002. It was a very difficult project partly because much of
the data did not meet Division approved detection levels.
The LTMP that was approved in July 1995 only recommended using the
Division approved DLs, and sampling was done for five consecutive days
quarterly.
I have required MSD to revise their LTMP to correct the DLs and sample
for all parameters once per month, for one year, starting 18 months
before a HWA is due, and quarterly thereafter. With the implementation
of a revised LTMP the data will be more useful.
Attached is the data set submitted with the HWA. One page includes the
DLs and the other does not. The third page compares the DLs used and
the DLs that are required.
I will hand deliver the PIRF form. If you have questions please give me
a call.
Keyes McGee
Environmental Engineer Trainee
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Pretreatment Unit
Telephone: [phone], Extension: 580
Facsimile: [phone]
NC-DENR, DWQ, PRETREATMENT
1617 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH, NC 27699-1617
MSD PIRF.xls
Name: MSD PIRF.xls
Type: Microsoft Excel Worksheet (application/vnd.ms-excel)
Encoding: base64
Download Status: Not downloaded with message
1 of 1
10/10/00 11:26 AM

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Permit NC0025593
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
PERMIT
DISCHARGE WASTEWATER UNDER THE
NATIONAL ° • LLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
In compliance with the provisio .f North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1, other lawful
standards and regulations promu : - ted and adopted by the North Carolina Environmental
Management Commission, and th - Federal Water o tion Control Act, as amended,
Town o Sp ficer
is hereby authorized to discharge wastew ter f •m a facility located at the
Spencer WWTP
Sowers Ferry Road
Spencer
Rowan County
to receiving waters designated as Grants Creek in the Yadkin -Pee Dee River Basin
in accordance with effluent limitations, monitoring requirements, and other
conditions set forth in arts I, II, III and IV hereof.
This permit shall be me effective
This permit and thorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on June 30, 2004.
Signed this da
Kerr T. Stevens, Director
Division of Water Quality
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission

REASONABLE POTENTIAL ANALYSIS
Prepared by: Natalie Sierra, 10/6/00
Facility Name =
NPDES # =
Qw (MGD) =
Qw (cfs) =
7Q10s (cfs)=
IWC (%) =
MSD - Buncombe County
NC0024911 _
40
61.89
466
11.74
Parameter
Cyanide
Max. Pred Cw
Allowable Cw
Cadmium
Max. Pred Cw
Allowable Cw
Chromium
Max. Pred Cw
Allowable Cw
Lead
Max. Pred Cw
Allowable Cw
Copper (A.L.)
Max. Pred Cw
Allowable Cw
Nickel
Max. Pred Cw
Allowable Cw
Silver (A.L.)
Max. Pred Cw
Allowable Cw
Zinc (A.L.).
Max. Pred Cw
Allowable Cw
Chronic CCC w/s7Q10 dil. Acute CMC w/no dil.
FINAL RESULTS, ug/I FINAL RESULTS, ug/I
143.0
42.6 360
NOT DETECTED
17.0
NOT DETECTED
425.8
NOT DETECTED
212.9
68.9
59.6
15
1022
34
7.3
oo tS
5 c.9 d_ 261
icy-�ec�t�w;j ..11
377.1 ft�Y ' t12.11 t
0.5 1.2
706.2
425.8
67
Frequency of Detection
#Samples # Detects
142 37
0 0
0 0
0 0
112 22
98 14
35 4
97 65
V`Sa'‘-‘ *44.'' OA 1r I PIA i OLS
1ver4'lit, P-eo-
due4 �;�

Page Two
8/00
French Broad Permits
The following facilities need permit adjustments:
Facility/Class
NC0021946/II
(Rosman)
Exp.8/2000
NC0060534/IV
(Brevard)
Exp. 8/2000
NC0057541/II
(Maston O'Neal)
Exp.9/2000
NC0076708/II
(Riverwind)
Exp.9/2000
NC0073741/II
(Mtn.Valley)
Exp.9/2000
NC0024911/IV
(MSD)
Exp.9/2000
NC0020478/II
(Lake Powhatan)
Exp.9/2000
NC0021733/III
(Marshall)
Exp.10/2001
NC25836/II
(Hot Springs)
Exp.10/2001
Requested Permit Modification River/Classification
Upstream/Downstream Fecal Coliform Monitoring FrB/Proposed "B Tr"
Upstream/Downstream Fecal Coliform Monitoring FrB/Proposed "B"
Fecal Coliform Effluent Limits
Fecal Coliform Effluent Monitoring
Upstream/Downstream Fecal Coliform Monitoring
Fecal Coliform Effluent
Fecal Coliform Effluent
Upstream/Downstream Fecal
Fecal Coliform Effluent
Fecal Coliform Effluent
Upstream/Downstream Fecal
Limits
Monitoring
Coliform Monitoring
Limits
Monitoring
Coliform Monitoring
Indicate on permit U,D, currently only E listed
Fecal Coliform Effluent Limits
Fecal Coliform Effluent Monitoring
Upstream/Downstream Fecal Coliform Monitoring
Chlorine Residual Monitoring
Fecal Coliform Effluent Limits
Fecal Coliform Effluent Monitoring
Upstream/Downstream Fecal Coliform Monitoring
Fecal Coliform Effluent Limits
Fecal Coliform Effluent Monitoring
Upstream/Downstream Fecal Coliform Monitoring
FrB/Proposed "B"
FrB/Proposed "B"
FrB/proposed "B"
FrB/Proposed "B"
Bent Crk/Proposed "B Tr"
FrB/Proposed "B"
FrB/Proposed "B"

.LAMES B. HUNT JR.
GOVERNOR
BILL HOLMAN
•SECRETARY
KERR T. STEVENS
DIRECTOR
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
ASHEVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE
WATER QUALITY SECTION
August 1, 2000
MEMORANDUM
TO: Dave Goodrich
THROUGH: Forrest Westal
FROM: Linda Wiggs
SUBJECT:
Li-LH
! w r �_ I
- 7
CLrtr2 - Ft.1Tt.-t GU:LITY
FO IT SOi',<CE £'RA;SOH
French Broad River Reclassification and
Affected Facilities
A use attainability study was recently performed on
several rivers in the French Broad River Basin. A report
submitted to the Planning Branch in April 2000 recommends
reclassification from class "C" to class "B" waters for
several of these rivers, documenting the extensive
recreational use in these mountains streams. Of these rivers,
the French Broad River and Bent Creek have permitted NPDES
dischargers that do not disinfect their wastewater. In
addition, several dischargers are not required to monitor up
and downstream of their discharge. To protect the existing
swimming use in these rivers, the Asheville Regional Office
is requesting that the NPDES group review the following
facilities whose permits are up for renewal and require Fecal
Coliform effluent limits as well as upstream and downstream
monitoring. Please refer to page 16 of 15A NCAC 2B.0500
regarding monitoring requirements in all appropriate
situations. Also note that the classes of facilities are
provided on the attachment. Notification has been sent to
these facilities to inform them of the coming permit changes.
We will work with the NPDES group to develop compliance
schedules.
Thank you for your assistance with this matter. If you
have any questions or would like more information on the
study, please feel free to contact me.
FigST
•"f N_'A MCR:LA
INTERCHANGE BUILDING, 59 WOODFIN PLACE, ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28801-2414
PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER - 5O% RECYCLED/10q POST -CONSUMER PAPER

O [i 6 ll U l5
DEC 1 7 19,n
SOC PRIORITY PROJECT: YES No
IF YES, SOC NUMBER
To:
Permits and Engineering Unit
Water Quality Section
Attention: Jackie Nowell
AUTHORIZATION TO CONSTRUCT
NPDES PERMIT
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Date December 14, 1999
COUNTY Buncombe
PERMIT NUMBER NC0024911
PART I - GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Facility Name and Current Address: Metropolitan Sewerage District
of Buncombe County
Post Office Box 8969
Asheville, North Carolina 28814
2. Changes since previous action on NPDES Permit:
3. Compare Discharge Point(s) on plans with NPDES Permit application.
List of all discharge points:
I X I
No Change
I_I Change New Latitude:
0 ' n
Longitude:
PART II - EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
0 i n
This project will replace and upgrade the existing disinfection system at
the MSD WWTP. Risk management concerns with storage and handling of the
gaseous chlorination system has prompted its replacement with a liquid
sodium hypochlorite disinfection system. This system will be located at
the effluent end of the wastewater treatment facility for convenience and
greater delivery control. Maximum flexibility to maintain compliance
with permit requirements has been provided with availability of three (3)
separately located liquid chlorine distribution manifolds.
Sodium Hypochlorite is an effective means of effluent disinfection.
Proper management of this system requires that spill prevention and
control be provided consistent with standard emergency management
requirements. Upon satisfactory review of plans and specifications, it is
ARO's recommendation that the ATC be issue•. The approval should contain
a condition requiring standard spill prey ntion and control measures be
provided for this installation.
A copy of the most recent
NPDES Staff Report is
attached.
tonal Supervisor

ion wil
t t i on o
r and
ng
Y Can
Y' Also
Zdition
operty
cannot
for
3t the
:e be
lould.
ration
•. •... SAC PRIORITY t&OJECT: Yes No XX
IF YES, SOC NU 4BER
TO: PERMITS AND ENGINEERING UNIT
WATER QUALITY SECTION
ATTENTION: Susan Wilson
DATE: December 23, 1993
NPDES STAFF REPORT AND RATION
COUNTY Buncombe
PERMIT NUMBER NCO024911
INFORMATION
Facility and Address: Metropolitan Sewerage District
of Buncombe County
NC Hwy 251 North
Woodfin, North Carolina
Mailing Address: Metropolitan Sewerage District
of Buncombe County
Post Office Box 8969
Asheville, North Carolina 28814
. Date of Investigation: June 2, 1993
. Report Prepared By: Max L. Haner
• Persons Contacted and Telephone Number:
Marc Fender
Neil Hall
[phone]
• Directions to Site: Existing facility is located adjacent to
NC Hwy 251 North of Asheville in the Woodfin Township. The
facility is further located approximately .2 mile north of the
intersection of NC Hwy 251 with NCSR 1684 (Elk Mtn Road) in
Buncombe County..
Discharge Point(s), List for all discharge points:
001 - Latitude: 35° 39' 02" Longitude: 82° 35'. 54"
Attach a USGS map extract and indicate treatment facility site and
discharge point on map.
U.S.G.S. Quad No. E8NE U.S.G.S. Quad Name Weaverville, N.C.

AP
1
Site size and expansion area consistent with application?
XX Yes No If No, explain:
Topography (relationship to flood plain included): Not in
flood plain
Location of nearest dwelling: 400-500 ft (Est)
Receiving stream or affected surface waters: French Broad River
a. Classification: Class "C"
b. .River Basin and Subbasin No.: French Broad,04030downstream
c. Describe receiving stream features andpertinent
uses: Agriculture, Wildlife, Fishing
Note: Discharge is to flume serving MSD Hydroelectric Plant.
II - DESCRIPTION OF DISCEARGE AND TREATMENT WORKS
a. Volume of wastewater to be permitted 40.0 MGD (Ultimate
Design Capacity)
b. What is the current permitted capacity of. the Wastewater
Treatment facility? 40.0 MGD
c. Actual treatment capacity of the current facility (current
design capacity 40.0 MGD
d. Date(s) and construction activities allowed by previous
Authorizations to Construct issued in the previous two years:
12/23/92 - WQ0007.174 - Sludge Alkaline notSa1
zation cility
Construction underway butcompleted to date
Note: The Sludge Alkaline Stabilization Facility is intended
for use as backup to the incinerator which was
constructed as part of the recently completed
expansion project.
Please provide a description of existing or substantially
e. P
constructed wastewater treatment with facilities:land secondary
facility is a 40 MGD RBC system flow measurement, influent pumping
microscreens, instrumentedtit/ tease
to handle 60 MGD, mechanical barandeffluentchlorination.
removal, intermediate clarifiers, thickeners, dual
Sludge handling is provided by dual thibelt filter press,
anaerobic digesters, primary and secondary
and an incinerator (startup phase). -A sludge lagoon is used
for final ash disposal.
f. Please provide a description of proposed wastewater t eaiment
facilities: Construction of Sludge Alkaline St
Facility underway to serve as backup to the incinerator.
Possible toxic impacts to surface waters:
g:_
PaaP_ 2

h. Pretreatment Program (POTWs'only):
in development approved Yes
should be required not needed
2. Residuals handling and utilization/disposal .scheme:
a. If residuals are being land applied, please. specify DEM
Permit Number N/A
Residuals Contractor
Telephone Number
b. Residuals stabilization: PSRP PFRP WQ 7174 OTHER'
c. Landfill:
d. Other disposal/utilization scheme (Specify): Incinerator -
See discussion of treatment facility (Page II, paragraph I.e
- Page 2)
3*. Treatment plant classification (attach completed rating sheet): IV
4. SIC Codes (s) : 4952
Wastewater Code(s) of actual wastewater, not particular facilities
i.e., non -contact cooling water discharge from a metal plating
company would be 14, not 56.
Primary 01 . Secondary 24, 40, 55, 56,. 57, 59, 64
Main Treatment Unit Code: 43006
PART III - OTE R PERTINENT INFORMATION
1. Is this facility being constructed with Construction Grant Funds
or are any public monies involved. (municipals only)?
WWTP expansion to 40 MGD was constructed with construction grant
funds. Construction grant funds are not •being used for the
alkaline stabilization facility. Other public monies are being
used for this project.
2. Special monitoring or limitations (including toxicity) requests:
Consistent with modifications to the existing permit on 12/11/92,
influent and effluent limits and monitoring for CBOD should be
included with this permit. A copy of the Effluent Liiitations and
Monitoring Requirements page is attached for your reference.
TI
is
c
1
5.
i•
Page 3

!� dates: (please ;' I
� Schedule .., ...
' or. Compliance
JOCK Date
Important SOCK
indicate) N/A
Submission of
Plans and Specifications
Begin Construction
Complete Construction
facility evaluated all
1
Has the provide rags
is Evaluation: please
Analysis available. - Existing POTW
Alternative non -discharge options
�' the iveforeacoption evaluated.N/A
'°f tiVe each P
perspective
Spray Irrigation:
o Regional Sewer System'
Connection t
Subsurface
Other disposal options:
5•
Other Special Items:
� ��Zoxs as completed during
p - EVALUATION
25 MGD to 40 MGD was
completed and
of the wwtP still being made . to theSD intends
that in be used
incExpansionWith adjustments u phase) construction 1993 adz (startup under product has.
• eration faiities i unit still market for this
incineration stabilizationunit
the mar the PFRP unit wild' be
PEEP alkaline development, Should have no
place of incinerationarket develop tautly in
used P guts incineration. The facility
aci iconsho the
been to the incin which ended that
as backup an effluent hi is s comet
in producing
difficulty h permit limitations. ssued acCOrdinglY•
compliance o p notiCe and
go to public
Pelt
,�•r& I P eparer
• ure of Re•ort
Sign-
Tonal Supervisor
titer Quality Reg
Date
Page 4

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Wayne McDevitt, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
November 16, 1998
Mr. John Kiviniemi, Director
Waste Management & Environmental Services
Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County
P.O. Box 8969
Asheville, North Carolina 28814
Dear Mr. Kiviniemi:
411"vgjl,
NCDENR
Subject: Permit Modification
MSD Buncombe County WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NC0024911
Buncombe County
In accordance with your request for removal of the acute toxicity test for no significant mortality @ 90% for the
subject facility, the NPDES staff has reviewed the permit files. The review indicated that MSD Buncombe WWTP has
consistently passed the acute toxicity test and there is no documentation of water quality problems in the flume area. This
acute test had been added to the permit for protection of fish and aquatic life in the flume. The Division recommends that the
acute toxicity limit be deleted from the NPDES permit. All other effluent limitations and monitoring frequencies will remain
the same as in the current permit. Accordingly, we are forwarding herewith these modifications to the subject permit.
Please find enclosed the amended Effluent page for outfall 001, which should be inserted into your permit and an
updated toxicity form for the chronic test @ 12%. The old pages should be discarded. This permit is issued pursuant to the
requirements of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1 and the Memorandum of Agreement between North Carolina and
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
If any parts, measurement frequencies or sampling requirements contained in this permit are unacceptable to you,
you have the right to an adjudicatory hearing upon written request within thirty (30) days following receipt of this letter.
This request must be in the form of a written petition, conforming to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes,
and filed with the office of Administrative Hearings, Post Office Drawer 27447, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7447.
Unless such a demand is made, this permit shall be final and binding.
P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post -consumer paper

Permit No. NC0024911
MSD Buncombe County WWTP
November 16, 1998
Page 2
Please take notice that this permit is not transferable. Part II, E.4
of change in ownership or control of this discharge.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please
[phone], extension 512.
Sincerely,
cc: Central Files
Asheville Regional Office (Attn: Max Haner)
NPDES Unit
Facility Assessment Unit
Aquatic Survey and Toxicology Unit
. addresses the requirements to be followed in case
contact Jacquelyn M. Nowell at telephone number
Preston Howard, Jr. P

f I,
Permit No. NC0024911
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Permit No. NC0024911
SUPPLEMENT TO EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
' SPECIAL CONDITIONS
A (2). Chronic Toxicity Test
CHRONIC TOXICITY PASS/FAIL PERMIT LIMIT (QRTRLY)
The effluent discharge shall at no time exhibit chronic toxicity using test procedures outlined in the
"North Carolina Ceriodaphnia Chronic Effluent Bioassay Procedure," Revised November 1995, or
subsequent versions.
The effluent concentration at which there may be no observable inhibition of reproduction or significant
mortality is 12 % (defined as treatment two in the procedure document). The permit holder shall perform
quarterly monitoring using this procedure to establish compliance with the permit condition. The tests
will be performed during the months of February, May, August and September. Effluent sampling for
this testing shall be performed at the NPDES permitted final effluent discharge below all treatment
processes.
All toxicity testing results required as part of this permit condition will be entered on the Effluent
Discharge Monitoring Form (MR-1) for the month in which it was performed, using the parameter code
TGP3B. Additionally, DWQ Form AT-1 (original) is to be sent to the following address:
Attention: Environmental Sciences Branch
North Carolina Division of
Water Quality
4401 Reedy Creek Road
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
Test data shall be complete and accurate and include all supporting chemical/physical measurements
performed in association with the toxicity tests, as well as all dose/response data. Total residual chlorine
of the effluent toxicity sample must be measured and reported if chlorine is employed for disinfection of
the waste stream.
Should there be no discharge of flow from the facility during a month in which toxicity monitoring is
required, the permittee will complete the information located at the top of the aquatic toxicity (AT) test
form indicating the facility name, permit number, pipe number, county, and the month/year of the report
with the notation of "No Flow" in the comment area of the form. The report shall be submitted to the
Environmental Sciences Branch at the address cited above.
Should any single quarterly monitoring indicate a failure to meet specified limits, then monthly
monitoring will begin immediately until such time that a single test is passed. Upon passing, this
monthly test requirement will revert to quarterly in the months specified above.
Should the permittee fail to monitor during a month in which toxicity monitoring is required, then
monthly monitoring will begin immediately until such time that a single test is passed. Upon passing,
this monthly test requirement will revert to quarterly in the months specified above.
Should any test data from this monitoring requirement or tests•performed by the North Carolina Division
of Water Quality indicate potential impacts to the receiving stream, this permit may be re -opened and
modified to include alternate monitoring requirements or limits.
NOTE: Failure to achieve test conditions as specified in the cited document, such as minimum control
organism survival, minimum control organism reproduction, and appropriate environmental controls,
shall constitute an invalid test and will require immediate follow-up testing to be completed no later than
the last day of the month following the month of the initial monitoring.

' Re: MSD BUNCOMBE CO. ACUTE TOX TEST
Subject:
Date:
From:
Organization:
To:
CC:
Agreed.
Re: MSD BUNCOMBE CO. ACUTE TOX TEST
Thu, 12 Nov 1998 11:26:57 -0500
"Matt Matthews" <[e-mail]> Internal
NC DENR/DWQ/ATU
Jackie Nowell<[e-mail]>
Steve Pellei<[e-mail]> ,
Keith Haynes <[e-mail]>
Jackie Nowell wrote:
> Hi Matt,
> Per our earlier conversation on the acute tox test for MSD. I looked
> back into the 1988 WLA done by Randy Dodd. Evidently at that time MSD
> had a discharge into a flume for a hydroelectric facility. The acute
> test was recommended for discharge into that flume where biological
> studies had documented a large fish population. There was no minimum
> flow requirement in the flume and there was concern from Randy and
> Trevor about protecting the fish there. There was a stipulation on the
> factsheet sent to ARO that if it was indicated that there was no
> evidence of impact on water quality or biota in the flume, the acute
> requirement could be removed. After it's initial inclusion in the 1989
> WLA, the acute test was included in 1995 renewal. With MSD's history of
> compliance and no evidence of water quality problems in the flume
> section, then the acute test can be deleted from the permit..
Matt Matthews
NC DENR/Division of Water Quality
Aquatic Toxicology Unit
4401 Reedy Creek Road
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
v-[phone]
f-[phone]
MailTo:[e-mail]
1 of 1 11/12/98 11:31 AM

AVA
NCDENR
JAMES B. HUNTJR.
GOVERNOR
WAYNE MCDEVITT
Y
A. PRESfONHOWARD,JR.,
P.E., DIRECTOR
MEMORANDUM
To:
Through:
From:
Subject:
WATER QUALITY SECTI
October 8, 1998
David Goodrich
Permits and Engineering
Forrest R. Westall
Regional Water Qu
Max L. Haner
Environmental Chemist / ARO
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
MEVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE
rvisor
Minor Permit Modification
NC0024911 - Monitoring Frequency
Metropolitan Sewerage District
Buncombe County, North Carolina
Please find attached a copy of the letter from Metropolitan Sewerage
District of Buncombe County (NC0024911) requesting that the acute
toxicity monitoring requirement contained in the permit be removed. The
NPDES permit for this discharge currently requires that both chronic and
acute toxicity testing be performed on a quarterly basis. The discharger
believes that having both toxicity monitoring requirements in the permit is
unnecessarily duplicative considering his positive toxicity compliance
history. A copy of the check for the $100 filing fee for this permit
modification also is attached. The check (received 10-1-98) has been
journaled into the proper account.
Following review of this request, ARO recommends that NPDES permit
No. NC0024911 be modified by removing monitoring requirements for
acute toxicity. Please advise if you have questions about this modification.
xc: Matt Matthews
Aquatic Toxicity Unit
Keith Haynes
INTERCHANGE BUILDING, 59 WOODFIN PLACE, ASHEVILLE, NC 28801-2414
PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER - 50% RECYCLED/1 O% POST -CONSUMER PAPER

MSD
W.H. Mull, P.E., General Manager
P.O. Box 8969. Asheville. N.C. 28814
Telephone: Area Code [phone]
Telecopier [phone]
John S. Stevens, General Counsel
3-April-2000
Metropolitan Sewerage District of
Buncombe County, North Carolina
NC-DENR / Water Quality / NPDES Unit
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
Attention: Mr. Charles H. Weaver, Jr.
Edmund R. Selby, Chairman
C. Michael Sobol, Vice -Chairman
Jadde W. Bryson. Secretary/Treasurer
Steven T. Aceto
Brady Blackburn
Barbara A. Field
Elizabeth C. Graham
Joe Joyner
E. Glen Kelly
Ben Pace
S. Douglas Spell
Re: NPDES Permit # NC0024911 Renewal Application Submittal
Mr. Weaver:
Enclosed herewith is the subject NPDES permit renewal application for the
Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County, North Carolina (MSD)
Wastewater Treatment Plant. MSD owns/operates the subject treatment facility
located at 2225 Riverside Drive, Asheville, NC 28804. The facility is a 40MGD plant
that incorporates a secondary treatment, fixed film design. The current permit
expires on September 30, 2000 and MSD does hereby request renewal with this
application submittal. Enclosed with the application is all of the requested
supportive documentation about the treatment plant. If there is any additional
information needed to process this renewal request, please do not hesitate to contact
me or the treatment plant director (John Kiviniemi) at 828-254-9646 or 828-252-
7342 respectively.
W.H. Mull
General Manager, MSD
Cc: John Kiviniemi — Treatment Plant Director
File

NPDES RE-AAPLICATIUN
2000
Facility Description:
The present treatment facility is a 40MGD secondary plant serving Buncombe County
(specifically — Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, Montreat, Weaverville, Woodfin
and Buncombe County at large). The plant treats a current average daily flow of 20-21
MGD. The treatment plant is an attached growth design, comprised of 152 rotating
biological contactors (RBC's). These RBC's provide 450-500 acres (3+ acres each unit) of
surface area for biological growth. It has been said thatMSD's facility is the largest RBC
plant in the world. The plant consists of:
Preliminary Treatment Components
IDI Barscreens (2 units) w/screenings compactor and shaftless screw conveyer
Influent Pumps (3 units) — 35 MGD rated capacity each
Aerated Grit Chambers (3 units) w/associated grease removal
Primary Treatment Components
Primary Microscreens (7 units) — 250 micron screens
$econdary Treatment Components
1st Stage RBC's (44 units)
2nd Stage RBC's (72 units)
3`d Stage RBC's (36 units)
Intermediate Pumps (3 units) — pump water to clarifier from 3'd RBC stage
Intermediate Clarifier (4 cells — total volume 2 MG)
Secondary Microscreens (18 units) — 27 micron screens
Disinfection Components
Gaseous Chlorine (12 Tons on -site) — average feed 500-600 lbs./day
Residuals Handling Components
Gravity Thickeners (2 units) —100 foot diameter each
Gravity Belt Thickeners (4 units)
Two Meter Belt Presses (3 units)
Anaerobic Digesters (2 units) —100 foot diameter each
Fluidized Bed Incinerator (40DT/day rated)
Alkaline Stabilization Facility (40DT/day rated)
Energy Management Components
2 Megawatt Diesel Generator (full back-up/emergency power for WWTP)
450 Kilowatt Gas Generators (2 units) — operate on natural, digester or landfill gas
600 Kilowatt Steam Turbine — recovers waste heat from incinerator
850 Kilowatt Hydro Turbines (3 units) — induction units (French Broad River source)
Automation Components
Foxboro Distributed Control System (DCS) — full automated control of WWTP

The treatment plant is permitted for up to 40 MGD, with discharge limits of 25mg/1 CBOD
(monthly average) and 30mg/1 TSS (monthly average). The current average removal
efficiency for these two parameters is well in excess of 90%, compliance has been consistent.
Since the last permit renewal application, the plant has undergone several improvements.
WWTP Improvements
New IDI barscreens (2 units) — front clean units, screenings compactor & shaftless conveyer
Influent Pumps (3 units) — new impellers and general re -build improvements
Grit/Grease (3 units) — cleaned out and re -built aeration system + new grease pumps
New Back-Up/Emergency Power (2 Megawatt diesel generator)
Primary Microscreens (7 units) — new sprockets, chain, seals, screen grids
Secondary Microscreens (18 units) — new sprockets, chain, seals, screen grids
In addition to the items listed above, numerous operational modifications have been made
to improve the overall efficiency of the treatment operation. All of which have significantly
improved the quality of the plant effluent.
Operational Improvements
Both barscreen units in full operation 24hrs,/day
Re -built grit chamber aeration system
Fluidized Bed Incinerator operating 24hrs./day (up from 10hrs./day)
Mothballed Anaerobic Digesters (improved dewatering + increased BTU value to sludge)
Re-routed sludge thickening/dewatering piping (improved efficiency & reduced costs)
Re -built Microscreens (both primary & secondary)
Planned Improvements
Replacing gaseous chlorine disinfection with liquid sodium hypochlorite
WWTP Master Plan (scheduled completion mid 2001) — will evaluate:
primary clarifiers
tertiary filters
incinerator ash dewatering
additional treatment plant needs and/or "quick treat" technology
- additional heat recovery (incinerator operations)
Attached with this narrative is a compilation of graphic displays printed from the Foxboro
DCS system; which provides a pictorial representation of the plant layout/design. In
addition, a current facility brochure is enclosed. MSD also maintains a web site, which
includes a tour of the treatment facility—www.main.nc.us/MSD .

Sludge Management Plan
MSD utilizes its fluidized bed incinerator as its primaryresiduals management option, with
alkaline stabilization as a secondary management option — as well as maintains an
arrangement with the Buncombe County landfill (lined) for emergencies. Presently the
facility is managing 12-15 DT's per day of residuals. The facilities are designed for 40DT's
per day. Due to the lack of true primary clarifiers, most of the sludge generated at the
facility are secondary in nature (i.e. sloughings from the RBC's). Sludge is thickened in on -
site gravity thickeners to a consistency of 4-7% solids at which time it is then pumped to the
2-meter belt presses. These units dewater the sludge to 20-22% solids and then it is pumped
to the incinerator. The facility maintains gravity belt thickeners and anaerobic digesters,
however these units are presently not being utilized. Air emissions from the incinerator are
of excellent quality. Recent air emissions testing place removal efficiency of the air
scrubbers at 99+% for regulated parameters. Incinerator ash is thickened on -site via a
gravity ash thickener and then pumped to an on -site lagoon. Groundwater is monitored in
accordance with NCDENR requirements (up & down gradient). When alkaline
stabilization operations are activated, a class A product is produced and distributed to the
public. The alkaline add -mixtures utilized in the process are cement kiln dust (CKD) and
lime kiln dust (LK)). The process incorporates the use of the "N-Viro" process when these
alkaline products are utilized in accordance with the patented mix recipe. Due to the fact
that the incinerator operations provide much more cost effective management, it is utilized
as the primary option. Supplementary fuel is required due to the 20-22% solids content,
however landfill gas is utilized in place of more costly natural gas. However natural gas
and/or #2 fuel oil can also be utilized. Overall, MSD's residuals management is in good
shape as it enters the new millennium.

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SUBSTATION

SECTION III.
INDUSTRIAL WASTE CONTRIBUTION TO MUNICIPAL SYSTEM
1) SIGNIFICANT INDUSTRIAL USERS
1 ANVIL KNITWEAR
2 ASHEVILLE METAL
3 BLUE RIDGE METALS
4 BORG-WARNER #1
5 BORG-WARNER #2
6 CRAGGY PRISON
7 CUTLER -HAMMER
8 DAY INTERNATIONAL
9 DOTSON METAL
10 GENERAL SIGNAL
11 HUBBELL DISTRIBUT.
12 KEARFOTT
13 LUSTAR
14 MERITOR
15 MILKCO
16 NORTON
17 OWEN MANUF.
18 PILLOWTEX
19 PRECISION PLATING
20 PRINCE MANUF.
21 RENTAL UNIFORM
22 RIVER DYEING & FINISHING
23 S M COMPANY
24 SONOPRESS
25 SQUARE D
26 STEELCASE
27 WILLIAM'S PLATING
2) PRIMARY PRODUCT OR RAW MATERIAL
SEE ENCLOSED INSPECTION REPORT
3) FLOW
SEE ENCLOSED INSPECTION REPORT